Religion

Religion needs to be taught every day. Although you can have a certain time to read the Bible, you also need to discuss ways to apply the Bible to daily life. Our lives are full of opportunities to think about God's grace and how to live God's way. When opportunities come up, explicitly discuss with your child how we are all sinners, but that is why God sent us a Savior. God sent Jesus to die for us so we do not have to live in sin (once we become Christians). Because of God's grace, we can choose to do things God's way. Here are some examples:- Fighting over a toy: We are all selfish because we are all sinners, but God wants us to share with others. We can share because we have God's love.- Complaining about the food: Sometimes we all wish we could have different things because we are all sinners. But we know everything we have is from God and we can be thankful. - Not obeying parents/teachers: The sin in us makes us want to do things our own way sometimes. But God's grace gives us the power to obey the people God has put in charge of us. - Not working hard in school: Sometimes we want to be lazy or not do out best because we just don't feel like it. But Jesus died for us so we can have the grace and strength to do everything we do like we are doing it for God. And we should want to give our Savior our best. - Having a whiny attitude: Since we are sinners, sometimes we want to think about the bad things in our life. But we have a great Savior Who loves us so much He gave His very life for us. When we think about how much He loves us and how He cares for us, we can have joy in out heart.

When children make great decisions, encourage them and praise God for working in their hearts and helping them to choose His way. - Sharing toys: Great job! I'm so glad God helped you to share. Without Him we would be selfish. - Letting someone else go first: I'm so thankful God helped you to think about others first. Without Him we would want to be first. - Obeying parents: Thank you for listening. It is great how God is helping you to honor your parents. Without Him we would want to do things our own way or be disrespectful. - Even when encouraging your child, you can remind them that they need a savior, and One has been provided.

When studying religion, you can also study social studies. Learn about the beginning of the Christian church. Study about people who made sacrifices to follow Christ. Learn about cultural differences and why conflict existed in many stories in the Bible.

Overall, religion should be taught every day. Teach your child a mindset toward pleasing God, in addition to facts from the Bible.

See the "Christian" section of this website for more ideas on how to help children learn the Bible and, by grace, live a life that pleases God.